Information processing device, information processing method, and program

ABSTRACT

Provided is an information processing device including a display control unit configured to display a plurality of lists including a first list and a second list each having list items; and perform display of coupling to the first list a list item of the second list that is a sub-list of the first list.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to an information processing device, aninformation processing method, and a program.

In recent years, there has been known a UI (User Interface) thatdisplays a plurality of thumbnail images on a display screen, which canbe operated by a user, and allows the user to select the thumbnailimage(s).

For example, there is known a UI that creates and displays thumbnailimages from scenes of every predetermined time interval among scenesthat constitute moving image data. Such a UI can reproduce moving imagedata from a scene desired by a user by making the user select a giventhumbnail image.

Note that the number of thumbnail images displayed on the UI increasesor decreases in accordance with the time intervals of scenes taken outof moving image data. Accordingly, when a user performs an operation ofincreasing the number of thumbnail images, for example, the UI displaysthumbnail images of scenes of shorter time intervals. As a useroperation of increasing or decreasing the number of thumbnail images,the following technology is known.

For example, a display device disclosed in JP 2011-003977A displays,when a pinch-put operation is performed on a thumbnail image of movingimage data, thumbnail images of shorter time intervals. Accordingly, auser can easily check the details of each scene.

SUMMARY

However, when the number of list items displayed on the U1, such asthumbnail images or icons, is increased in response to a user operation,it is difficult for the user to know in advance what kind of list itemsare to be added to the list.

Accordingly, it is desirable to provide an information processingdevice, an information processing method, and a program that are noveland improved and that allow a user to recognize in advance list items tobe added to the list.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is providedan information processing device including a display control unitconfigured to display a plurality of lists including a first list and asecond list each having list items; and perform display of coupling tothe first list a list item of the second list that is a sub-list of thefirst list.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, there isprovided an information processing method including displaying aplurality of lists including a first list and a second list each havinglist items, and performing display of coupling to the first list a listitem of the second list that is a sub-list of the first list.

According to still another embodiment of the present disclosure, thereis provided a program causing a computer to perform processes ofdisplaying a plurality of lists including a first list and a second listeach having list items; and performing display of coupling to the firstlist a list item of the second list that is a sub-list of the firstlist.

As described above, according to the present disclosure, by displaying asecond list to be coupled to a first list, and performing display ofcoupling the second list to the first list in response to a useroperation, it becomes possible to allow a user to recognize in advancelist items to be added before the completion of the coupling.

As described above, according to the present disclosure, it is possibleto allow a user to recognize in advance list items to be added to alist.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a summary of an embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a block configuration diagram showing the configuration of aninformation processing device in accordance with this embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an exemplary display of a plurality of listsin accordance with this embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a screen transition diagram illustrating an animation ofcoupling a plurality of lists in accordance with this embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a pinch-out operation in accordancewith this embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a screen transition diagram illustrating an animation whenlists are coupled in conjunction with a pinch-out operation inaccordance with this embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating another pinch-out operation inaccordance with this embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a pinch-in operation in accordance withthis embodiment;

FIG. 9 is screen transition diagram illustrating an animation when listsare separated in conjunction with a pinch-in operation in accordancewith this embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a drag operation in accordance withthis embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a screen transition diagram illustrating an animation whenlists are coupled in conjunction with a drag operation in accordancewith this embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a scale-out button and a scale-inbutton in accordance with this embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a slider bar in accordance with thisembodiment;

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an exemplary display in which a pluralityof lists are arranged vertically in accordance with this embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an exemplary display in which a pluralityof lists overlap in accordance with this embodiment;

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a screen on which a plurality of lists eachincluding a plurality of thumbnail images are displayed in accordancewith this embodiment;

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a result obtained when the plurality oflists shown in FIG. 16 are coupled;

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a result obtained when the plurality oflists shown in FIG. 16 are separated;

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a screen that displays a plurality of listscreated on the basis of information related to music data in accordancewith this embodiment;

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a result obtained when the plurality oflists shown in FIG. 19 are coupled;

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a result obtained when two sub-lists shownin FIG. 19 are coupled to a target list;

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a screen that displays a target list inaccordance with this embodiment;

FIG. 23 is a screen transition diagram illustrating an animation whenlists are coupled in conjunction with a pinch-out operation inaccordance with this embodiment;

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a screen that list-displays a single listin accordance with this embodiment;

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a screen showing an animation when listsare being coupled in accordance with this embodiment;

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a screen when coupling of lists iscompleted in accordance with this embodiment;

FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing a display control process ofcoupling/separating lists in accordance with pinch-in/out operations inaccordance with this embodiment;

FIG. 28 is a table exemplarily showing calculation of the movementamount and the movement speed of pinch-in/out operations in accordancewith this embodiment; and

FIG. 29 is a screen transition diagram illustrating an example ofchanging an animation when lists are coupled in conjunction with apinch-out operation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will bedescribed in detail with reference to the appended drawings. Note that,in this specification and the appended drawings, structural elementsthat have substantially the same function and structure are denoted withthe same reference numerals, and repeated explanation of thesestructural elements is omitted.

Note that the description will be made in the following order.

1. Embodiment of the Present Disclosure

-   -   1-1. Summary    -   1-2. Basic Configuration

2. Coupling/Separation of Plurality of Lists

-   -   2-1. Coupling of Plurality of Lists    -   2-2. Separation of List    -   2-3. User Operation    -   2-4. Other Exemplary Displays of Plurality of Lists    -   2-5. Change of Displayed Information

3. Coupling/Separation of List Items of Single List

-   -   3-1. Coupling of List Items of Single List    -   3-2. Separation of List Items    -   3-3. List Display

4. Operation Process

5. Conclusion

The technology in accordance with the present disclosure describedherein can be carried out in various forms as described in “1.Embodiment of the Present Disclosure” to “4. Operation Process” above.In addition, the information processing device 10 in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure includes (A) a display control unit(a GPU 112) that displays a plurality of lists each including list itemsand performs display of coupling to a first list list items of a secondlist, which is a sub-list of the first list, in response to a useroperation.

1. EMBODIMENT OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE [1-1. Summary]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a summary of an embodiment of thepresent disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, an information processing device10 in accordance with this embodiment includes a display 15 and a touchpanel 16 integrated with the display 15.

The information processing device 10 displays lists each having listitems 21 on the display 15. For example, the information processingdevice 10 displays a target list 23 and a plurality of sub-lists 25 eachhaving list items 21 as shown in FIG. 1. The sub-lists 25 display moredetailed information than does the target list 23. In this embodiment,the target list 23 is displayed as a list to be operated by a user.However, the sub-lists 25 may also be operated by a user.

The information processing device 10, when a user has performed someoperation or when the internal state of an application has changed,changes the method of displaying lists. More specifically, theinformation processing device 10 performs display control so that listsare coupled/separated in response to a user operation detected by thetouch panel 16. When coupling lists, the information processing device10 couples the sub-list 25 to the target list 23 by gradually moving thesub-list 25 closer to the target list 23, for example. Meanwhile, whenseparating lists, the information processing device 10 creates a newsub-list 25 by arranging lists items 21 gradually separated from thetarget list 23, for example.

The information processing device 10, when coupling/separating listsdisplayed on the display 15, performs control of gradually changing eachlist item on the display screen. Accordingly, the user is able to,before the completion of the coupling/separation of the lists, check inadvance the list items to be coupled to the target list 23 or the listitems 21 to be separated from the target list 23. In addition, the useris also able to cancel the display control of coupling/separation beforethe completion thereof while checking the list items 21 to becoupled/separated.

The sub-list 25 is an auxiliary list of the target list 23. Thus, asdescribed above, the sub-list 25 has arranged therein list items 21 thatpresent more detailed information than does the target list 23.Accordingly, when lists are coupled, information that is presented bythe target list 23 becomes more detailed. A change in the displayedinformation of each list by coupling/separation of the lists isdescribed in detail in [2-5. Change of Displayed Information] below.

A summary of the information processing device 10 in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure has been described above. Next, theconfiguration of the information processing device 10 in accordance withthis embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 2.

[1-2. Basic Configuration]

FIG. 2 is a block configuration diagram showing the configuration of theinformation processing device 10 in accordance with this embodiment. Asshown in FIG. 2, the information processing device 10 includes a controlunit 11, RAM 12, a storage medium 13, a display processing unit 14, adisplay 15, a touch panel 16, an operation unit 17, and a communicationunit 18.

The control unit 11 functions as an arithmetic processing unit and acontrol unit, and controls each component of the information processingdevice 10. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 11 inaccordance with this embodiment includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit)111 and a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) 112.

The CPU 111 controls each component of the information processing device10 in accordance with various programs. In addition, the CPU 111 mayalso be a microprocessor.

The GPU 112 is a display control unit that generates an image to bedisplayed on the display 15 or changes a display screen in response to auser operation. More specifically, the GPU 112 performs display controlso that a plurality of lists each having list items 21 arranged thereinare displayed on the display 15. In addition, the GPU 112 performsdisplay control in response to a user operation so that list items 21 ofa second list, which is a sub-list of the first list, is coupled to afirst list.

Alternatively, the GPU 112 may perform display control so that a singlelist having list items 21 arranged therein is displayed on the display15. In such a case, the GPU 112 may perform display control so that newlist items gradually appear in the list in response to a user operation.

Meanwhile, the GPU 112 may also perform display control so that listitems 21 are gradually separated from the first list in response to auser operation and a new list is created by arranging the separated listitems 21.

The GPU 112 performs such display control of coupling/separating listsin response to a user operation detected by the touch panel 16. Forexample, the GPU 112, when a pinch-out/in operation is detected,performs display control so that lists are coupled/separated inaccordance with a change in the distance between the two fingerstouching the touch panel 16. Alternatively, the GPU 112 may performdisplay control so that lists are coupled/separated in accordance withthe movement amount or the movement speed of the fingers touching thetouch panel 16. Note that the display control of the GPU 112 performedin response to a user operation will be described in detail in <2.Coupling/Separation of Plurality of Lists>to <4. Operation Process>

The RAM (Random Access Memory) 12 temporarily stores programs used inthe execution of the control unit 11, parameters that change asappropriate during the execution, and the like.

The storage medium 13 stores programs, operation parameters, and thelike used by the control unit 11. The storage medium 13 also storescontent such as moving image data and music files.

Note that the storage medium 13 may be, for example, nonvolatile memorysuch as flash ROM (or flash memory), EEPROM (Electrically ErasableProgrammable Read-Only Memory), or EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM); amagnetic disk such as a hard disk or a disc-shaped magnetic body; anoptical disc such as CD (Compact Disc), DVD-R (Digital Versatile DiscRecordable), or BD (Blu-Ray Disc (registered trademark)); or a storagemedium such as a MO (Magneto Optical) disk.

The display processing unit 14 causes the display 15 to output imagedata output from the GPU 112 in accordance with the display control ofthe GPU 112.

The display 15 is a display device that outputs a display screen inputfrom the display processing unit 14. This display 15 may be, forexample, a display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or anorganic EL (Electroluminescence) display. In addition, the display 15 inaccordance with this embodiment displays a list including list icons 21,for example.

The touch panel 16 is a detection unit that detects a user operation onthe screen. For example, the touch panel 16 detects the position of aninput object such as a finger touching the screen (an operationposition), and detects a user operation from a change in the operationposition with time. Examples of user operations detected by the touchpanel 16 include pinch-out, pinch-in, drag, flick, tap, and double-tap.This touch panel 16 is provided integrally with the display 15. Inaddition, the touch panel 16 outputs the detected user operation to thecontrol unit 11. Although the touch panel 16 is given as an example ofthe detection unit in this embodiment, the information processing device10 in accordance with the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Forexample, the information processing device 10 may use a detection unitthat detects a user operation in a non-contact state such as a proximitysensor, for example.

The operation unit 17 receives an operation instruction of a user, andoutputs information on the operation to the control unit 11. Thisoperation unit 17 may be a physical construction such as a button or aswitch.

The communication unit 18 is a module that communicates with acommunication terminal. Specifically, the communication unit 18 includesa receiving unit that receives data from a communication terminal, and atransmitting unit that transmits data to the communication terminal. Inaddition, the communication unit 18 may transmit and receive data viashort-range wireless communication such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

The configuration of the information processing device 10 in accordancewith this embodiment has been described in detail above. Next, displaycontrol performed by the GPU 112 of the information processing device 10will be specifically described with reference to a specific example.

2. COUPLING/SEPARATION OF PLURALITY OF LISTS

The GPU 112 displays a plurality of lists as described above and, inresponse to a user operation, couples the sub-list 25 to the target list23 or separates the list items 21 from the target list 23, therebyincreasing/decreasing the number of displayed list items 21 (the numberof list items). Hereinafter, coupling of a plurality of lists andseparation of a list will be sequentially described with reference tothe drawings.

[2-1. Coupling of Plurality of Lists]

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an exemplary display of a plurality oflists. As shown in FIG. 3, the GPU 112 performs control so that a screen31, which displays a target list 23 and a plurality of sub-lists 25 eachincluding list items 21, is displayed on the display 15.

As shown in FIG. 3, the list items 21 of the target list 23 aredisplayed in size larger than the list items 21 of the sub-list 25 adisplayed above the target list 23. In addition, the list items 21 ofthe sub-list 25 a are displayed in size larger than the list items 21 ofthe sub-list 25 b displayed above the sub-list 25 a.

When a plurality of lists are displayed as described above, if a useroperation indicating coupling of lists is detected, the GPU 112 performsdisplay control so that the list items 21 of the sub-list 25 aregradually moved closer to the target list 23 and thus are coupledthereto. The coupling of the lists is performed with an animation suchas the one shown in FIG. 4, for example.

FIG. 4 is a screen transition diagram illustrating an animation ofcoupling a plurality of lists. As shown in a screen 33 in FIG. 4, theGPU 112 displays a target list 23 and sub-lists 25. When a useroperation indicating coupling of lists is detected, the GPU 112 performsdisplay control so that the lists are coupled as shown in a screen 35.

Specifically, the GPU 112 widens the space between each list item of thetarget list 23 as shown in the screen 35, and moves each list item ofthe sub-list 25 a to the space between each list item of the target list23. As described above, as the list items to be coupled to the targetlist 23 gradually move toward the target list 23, the user is able tocheck the list items to be increased by the coupling before thecompletion of the coupling. In addition, in this case, the GPU 112gradually lowers the position of the sub-list 25 b by one level andadjusts the size of the list items of the sub-list 25 b as shown in thescreen 35.

Then, as shown in a screen 37, the GPU 112 adjusts the size and positionof the list items of the sub-list 25 a so that they become uniform, andterminates the coupling. A target list 23 x obtained after the couplinghas an increased amount of information compared to the target list 23before the coupling.

In addition, in the example shown in FIG. 4, as the GPU 112 has coupledthe sub-list 25 a, each of the remaining sub-lists is displayed atposition lower by one level. Accordingly, a new sub-list 25c appears asshown in the screen 37.

As described above, when the GPU 112 in accordance with this embodimentdisplays a plurality of lists on the screen and moves each list item 21of a list to be added in response to a user operation, it becomespossible for the user to check in advance the list items 21 to beincreased by the coupling before the completion of the coupling. Inaddition, although the GPU 112 displays sub-lists 25 that are fragmentedat respective levels, when the fragmentation limit is reached, thenumber of the displayed sub-lists 25 becomes zero. Accordingly, the useris able to intuitively know that the fragmentation of the target list 23is no more possible.

Coupling of a plurality of lists has been described above. Although theaforementioned example shows a case in which the sub-list 25 a iscoupled to the target list 23, coupling of a plurality of lists inaccordance with the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Forexample, sub-lists at a plurality of levels, such as the sub-list 25 aand the sub-list 25 b, may be coupled to the target list 23.

[2-2. Separation of List]

Next, separation of a list will be described. The GPU 112 firstseparates a predetermined number of list items from the target list 23in response to a user operation to thereby reduce the amount ofinformation of the target list 23. Then, the GPU 112 creates a newsub-list 25 by arranging the list items 21 separated from the targetlist 23, whereby separation of the list is completed.

The GPU 112 may perform such animation of separating a list in reverseorder to that of the animation of coupling lists shown in the screen 33to the screen 37 in FIG. 4. Specifically, the GPU 112 performs displaycontrol so that list items 21 to be separated from the target list 23gradually become smaller in size and move away from the target list 23.Then, the GPU 112 creates a new sub-list 25 by arranging the separatedlist items 21.

As described above, as the GPU 112 in accordance with this embodimentgradually changes the display of the list items 21 to be separated fromthe target list 23, the user is able to check in advance the list items21 to be decreased by the separation.

Separation of a list has been described above. Note that the sub-list(s)25 to be newly created after being separated from the target list 23 maybe arranged at either one level or more levels.

[2-3. User Operation]

The aforementioned coupling/separation of lists are performed inconjunction with various user operations. Examples of user operationsinclude a pinch-out operation, a pinch-in operation, a drag operation, aflick operation, a tap/double-tap operation, and a button/bar operation.Hereinafter, coupling/separation of lists performed by the GPU 112 inresponse to each detected user operation will be sequentially describedwith reference to the drawings.

(Pinch-Out Operation)

The GPU 112, when a pinch-out operation is detected, couples lists inaccordance with the pinch-out operation. Note that a pinch-out operationrefers to a touch operation of, while touching two points on a screenwith two fingers, widening the gap between the two fingers. Hereinafter,specific description will be made with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a pinch-out operation of a user. Asshown in a screen 39 in FIG. 5, when a pinch-out operation on a targetlist 23 is detected, the GPU 112 couples lists.

FIG. 6 is a screen transition diagram illustrating an animation whenlists are coupled in conjunction with a pinch-out operation. As shown ina screen 41 in FIG. 6, with a list item A2 and a list item A3 beingtouched, an operation (a pinch-out operation) of widening the gap d1between the touch positions is performed. The GPU 112 moves the displaypositions of the list item A2 and the list item A3 in accordance withthe touch positions of the user.

Next, as shown in a screen 43, when the gap d2 between the touchpositions exceeds a threshold, a list item B2 of the sub-list 25 aautomatically moves and is inserted into the space between the list itemA2 and the list item A3. At this time, the other list items of thesub-list 25 a, such as a list item B1 and a list item B3, for example,are similarly inserted into the space between each list item of thetarget list 23. Note that when an operation of narrowing the gap betweenthe touch positions of the two fingers performing the pinch-outoperation is detected, the GPU 112 performs display control so that thecoupling of the lists is canceled and the list item B2 and the like arerestored to their initial display positions.

Then, the GPU 112, as shown in a screen 45 in FIG. 6, enlarges the listitem B2 inserted into the space between the list item A2 and the listitem A3 to a size that is similar to the size of each list item of thetarget list 23, and thus completes the coupling of the lists.

As described above, the GPU 112 couples the sub-list 25 displayed on thescreen to the target list 23 in accordance with a pinch-out operation tothereby increase the amount of information of the target list 23. As thesub-list 25 to be coupled is displayed on the screen, the user is ableto check in advance the list items 21 of the sub-list 25 to be coupledto the target list 23.

In addition, the user is also able to cancel the coupling of the listsbefore the completion thereof while checking information that isincreased by the coupling.

Although the example shown in FIG. 6 illustrates a view in which asingle sub-list 25 is coupled, coupling of lists through a pinch-outoperation in accordance with this embodiment is not limited thereto, andthe GPU 112 may perform coupling at multiple levels in accordance withthe magnitude of a pinch-out operation. For example, when the gap d2between the touch positions exceeds double the width of the list itemB2, the GPU 112 performs coupling at two levels. That is, the GPU 112performs display control so that the sub-list 25 a and the sub-list 25 bare coupled to the target list 23.

In addition, although the aforementioned embodiment describes detectinga pinch-out operation of touching two list items of the target list 23with two fingers and widening the gap between the fingers, the positionsof the pinch-out operation in accordance with this embodiment are notlimited thereto. The GPU 112, no matter at which position on the screena pinch-out operation is detected, couples lists in accordance with thewidth of the gap d between the touch positions and a movement ofwidening the gap d with the screen being touched.

An example of application of a detection position of a pinch-outoperation will be described with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is adiagram illustrating another pinch-out operation of a user. As shown ina screen 47 in FIG. 7, a user performs a pinch-out operation of wideningthe gap between two fingers at a given position, for example, on asingle list item. Then, the GPU 112 couples lists in accordance with thedistance of the widened gap d5 between the two fingers.

(Pinch-In Operation)

The GPU 112, when a pinch-in operation is detected, separates lists inaccordance with the pinch-in operation. Note that a pinch-in operationrefers to a touch operation of, while touching two points on a screenwith two fingers, narrowing the gap between the two fingers.Hereinafter, description will be specifically made with reference toFIGS. 8 and 9.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a pinch-in operation of a user. Asshown in a screen 49 in FIG. 8, when a pinch-in operation on a targetlist 23 is detected, the GPU 112 separates lists.

FIG. 9 is screen transition diagram illustrating an animation when listsare separated in conjunction with a pinch-in operation. As shown in ascreen 51 in FIG. 9, with a list item A2 and a list item A4 beingtouched, an operation (a pinch-in operation) of narrowing the gap d3between the touch positions is performed. The GPU 112 moves the displaypositions of the list item A2 and the list item A4 so that they movecloser to each other in accordance with the touch positions of the user.In addition, the GPU 112 displays the list item A3 so that the list itemA3 gradually shrinks in accordance with the pinch-in operation.

Next, as shown in a screen 53, when the gap d4 between the touchpositions exceeds a threshold, the GPU 112 performs display control sothat the list item A3 is moved away from and separated from the targetlist 23. At this time, the other list items of the target list 23, forexample, every other list item arranged in the target list 23, such as alist item A1 and a list item A5, automatically moves and is thusseparated. Note that when an operation of widening the gap between thetouch positions of the two fingers performing the pinch-in operation isdetected, the GPU 112 performs display control so that the separation ofthe list is canceled and the list item A3 and the like are restored totheir initial display positions.

Then, the GPU 112, as shown in a screen 55 in FIG. 9, creates a newsub-list 25 x by arranging the list items A1, A3, and A5 separated fromthe target list 23. In addition, the GPU 112, as shown in the screen 55,adjusts the display position of each list item of a target list 23 xwhose number of list items has been decreased by the separation of thelist.

As described above, the GPU 112 separates a predetermined number of listitems from the target list 23 displayed on the screen in accordance witha pinch-in operation, and creates the new sub-list 25 x by arranging thepredetermined number of the separated list items.

As the list items separated from the target list 23 gradually shrink,the user is able to check in advance which list items are to beseparated before the completion of the separation.

In addition, the user is also able to cancel the separation of the listbefore the completion thereof while checking information of the targetlist 23 that is decreased by the separation.

Although the example shown in FIG. 9 illustrates a view in which onemore new sub-list 25 x is created, separation of a list through apinch-in operation in accordance with this embodiment is not limitedthereto, and the GPU 112 may newly create a plurality of sub-lists 25 inaccordance with a pinch-in operation. For example, if a pinch-inoperation is performed when the gap d3 between the touch positions isdouble the width of a list item, the GPU 112 newly creates two sub-lists25.

In addition, although the aforementioned embodiment describes detectinga pinch-in operation of, while touching two list items of the targetlist 23 with two fingers, narrowing the gap between the fingers, thepositions of the pinch-in operation in accordance with this embodimentare not limited thereto. The GPU 112, no matter at which position on thescreen a pinch-in operation is detected, separates a list in accordancewith the width of the gap d between the touch positions and a movementof narrowing the gap d with the screen being touched.

(Drag Operation)

Next, a case in which the GPU 112 couples/separates lists in accordancewith a drag operation will be described. Note that a drag operationrefers to a touch operation of moving a finger while touching one pointon a screen with the finger. Hereinafter, coupling of lists performed inconjunction with a drag operation will be described with reference toFIGS. 10 and 11.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a drag operation of a user. As shownin a screen 57 in FIG. 10, when a drag operation of moving a list itemB2 of a sub-list 25 a to a target list 23 is detected, the GPU 112couples the lists.

FIG. 11 is a screen transition diagram illustrating an animation whenlists are coupled in conjunction with a drag operation. As shown in ascreen 61 in FIG. 11, the GPU 112 moves a list item B2 in a downwarddirection in accordance with a drag operation, and also moves the otherlist items B1 and B3 of the operation target sub-list 25 a in a downwarddirection. In addition, the GPU 112 performs display control so that asthe list item B2 moves closer to the target list 23, the space betweeneach list item of the target lists 23 widens.

Next, as shown in a screen 63 in FIG. 11, a user drags the list item B2to the widened space between each list item of the target lists 23, andthen lifts the touching finger off the screen.

Herein, the GPU 112 may accept cancelation of the coupling of the listsuntil the list item B2 is dragged to a predetermined position in thetarget list 23. For example, when a drag operation of moving the listitem B2 back in an upward direction in the touched state is detected,the GPU 112 performs display control so that the position of each listitem is restored to the initial position.

Then, as shown in a screen 65 in FIG. 11, the GPU 112 enlarges the listitem B2 dragged to a position in the target list 23 so that the size ofthe list item B2 becomes similar to that of each list item of the targetlist 23, and thus completes the coupling of the lists.

As described above, the GPU 112, in accordance with a drag operation,couples the sub-list 25 displayed on the screen to the target list 23and increases the amount of information of the target list 23. As thesub-list 25 to be coupled is displayed on the screen, the user is ableto check in advance the list items 21 of the sub-list 25 to be coupledto the target list 23.

In addition, the user is also able to cancel the coupling of the listsbefore the completion thereof while checking information that isincreased by the coupling.

Coupling of lists through a drag operation has been described above.Next, separation of a list through a drag operation will be described.

The GPU 112, when an operation of dragging a list item of the targetlist 23 in an upward direction is detected, separates the list. As ananimation when a list is separated, for example, when the list item A2is dragged in an upward direction, the GPU 112 displays the list item A2so that it gradually becomes smaller. In addition, the GPU 112simultaneously displays the other list items A to be separated from thetarget list 23 so that they gradually become smaller while moving themin an upward direction.

In addition, the GPU 112 arranges each of the remaining list items ofthe target list 23 whose number of list items has been decreased by theseparation of the list so that the space between each list item becomesnarrower.

In addition, the GPU 112 creates a new sub-list by arranging the listitems separated from the target list 23 so that they are aligned abovethe target list 23, whereby separation of the list is completed.

Coupling/separation of lists through a drag operation have beendescribed above. Such coupling/separation of lists are performed bymoving a single list item through a drag operation. However, it is alsopossible to move a single list item through a flick operation instead ofa drag operation. Hereinafter, coupling/separation of lists performed inconjunction with a flick operation will be described.

(Flick Operation)

A flick operation refers to a touch operation of, while touching onepoint on a screen with a finger, lightly sweeping the finger in onedirection. The GPU 112 couples/separates lists through a flickoperation.

An animation when lists are coupled through a flick operation is roughlysimilar to the animation when lists are coupled through a drag operationdescribed with reference to FIG. 11. For example, when an operation oftouching the list item B2 of the sub-list 25 with a finger and sweepingthe finger in a downward direction is detected, the GPU 112 moves eachlist item of the sub-list 25 a in a downward direction. In addition, theGPU 112 performs display control so that the space between each listitem of the target list 23 widens.

Then, each list item of the sub-list 25 a moves to the widened spacebetween each list item of the target list 23. The GPU 112 enlarges eachof the moved list items of the sub-list 25 a to a size that is similarto the size of each list item of the target list 23, whereby coupling ofthe lists is completed.

Note that when the GPU 112 moves the list item B2 in accordance with theflick speed of the user, there may be cases in which the list item B2may not reach a point in the target list 23 depending on the flickspeed. In such cases, the GPU 112 may perform display control so thatthe display position of each list item is restored to the initialposition.

Coupling of lists through a flick operation has been described above.Next, separation of a list through a flick operation will be described.

The GPU 112, when an operation of flicking a list item of the targetlist 23 in an upward direction is detected, separates the list. As ananimation when a list is separated, for example, when the list item A2is flicked in an upward direction, the GPU 112 moves the list item A2 inan upward direction while gradually displaying the list item A2 insmaller size. At the same time, the GPU 112 also gradually displays theother list items A separated from the target list 23 in smaller sizewhile moving them in an upward direction.

The GPU 112 arranges each of the remaining list items of the target list23 whose number of list items has been decreased by the separation ofthe list so that the space between each list item becomes narrower.

Then, the GPU 112 creates a new sub-list by aligning the list itemsseparated from the target list 23 above the target list 23, wherebyseparation of the list is completed.

(Tap/Double-Tap Operation)

In addition, the GPU 112 may couple/separate lists in conjunction with atap/double-tap operation. For example, each of the tapped/double-tappedlist items of the sub-list 25 a is moved to the space between each listitem of the target list 23 as shown in FIG. 4, whereby coupling of thelists is completed.

Meanwhile, when a tap/double-tap operation is performed on the targetlist 23, the GPU 112 separates a predetermined number of list items fromthe target list 23 to thereby reduce the amount of information of thetarget list 23. Then, the GPU 112 creates a new sub-list by arrangingthe list items separated from the target list 23, whereby separation ofthe list is completed.

(Button/Bar Operation)

The GPU 112 may also couple/separate lists in response to a useroperation on a button or a bar. Hereinafter, description will bespecifically made with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a scale-out button 27 and a scale-in button28. When a user operation on the scale-out button 27 shown in FIG. 12 isdetected, the GPU 112 separates a predetermined number of list itemsfrom the target list 23, and creates a new sub-list 25 by arranging theseparated list items, whereby separation of the list is completed.

Meanwhile, when a user operation on the scale-in button 28 shown in FIG.12 is detected, the GPU 112 moves each list item of the sub-list 25 tothe space between each list item of the target list 23, and adjusts thesize of each moved list item, whereby coupling of the lists iscompleted.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a slider bar 29. When a user operation ofmoving a knob of the slider bar 29 shown in FIG. 13 in the “−” directionis detected, the GPU 12 separates a predetermined number of list itemsfrom the target list 23. Then, the GPU 112 creates a new sub-list 25 byarranging the separated list items, whereby separation of the list iscompleted.

Meanwhile, when a user operation of moving the knob of the slider bar 29shown in FIG. 13 in the “+” direction is detected, the GPU 112 moveseach list item of the sub-list 25 to the space between each list item ofthe target list 23, and adjusts the size of each moved list item,whereby coupling of the lists is completed.

Note that the GPU 112 reduces the amount of information of the targetlist 23, which is changed by coupling/separation of lists, as the knobof the slider bar 29 moves closer to the “minus” sign, and increases theamount (increases the fragmentation level) of the information of thetarget list 23 as the knob of the slider bar 29 moves closer to the“plus” sign.

Coupling/separation of a plurality of lists performed in conjunctionwith a user operation have been described in detail. Next, anothermethod of displaying such plurality of lists will be described.

[2-4. Other Exemplary Displays of Plurality of Lists]

In the example shown in FIG. 1, the GPU 112 displays a plurality oflists, each of which has list items 21 arranged in the horizontaldirection, in the vertical direction in a stepwise manner. However, themethod of displaying a plurality of lists in accordance with thisembodiment is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 1. Hereinafter,another example of displaying a plurality of lists will be describedwith reference to FIGS. 14 and 15.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an exemplary display in which a pluralityof lists are arranged vertically. As shown in FIG. 14, the GPU 112arranges a plurality of lists, each of which has list items 21 arrangedin the vertical direction, in the horizontal direction in a stepwisemanner. In this case, when a pinch-out/in operation on the target list23 is detected, for example, the GPU 112 couples/separates lists.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an exemplary display in which a pluralityof lists overlap. As shown in a screen 69 in FIG. 15, the GPU 112displays a target list 23 such that it overlaps a sub-list 25. A user isable to check each list item of the sub-list 25 between each list itemof the target list 23.

When a pinch-out operation on the target list 23 displayed in thismanner is detected, the GPU 112 moves each list item of the target list23 in the horizontal direction in accordance with the pinch-outoperation as shown in a screen 71 in FIG. 15. At the same time, the GPU112 also performs control such that each list item of the sub-list 25 isgradually enlarged, thereby displaying a target list 23 x with thesub-list 25 coupled thereto.

[2-5. Change of Displayed Information]

Next, how the displayed information of lists is changed bycoupling/separation of the lists will be described. As described above,when lists are coupled, the number of list items of the target list 23increases, and when a list is separated, the number of list items of thetarget list 23 decreases. Such a change in the displayed information ofthe target list 23 in accordance with a change in the number of listitems (the amount of information) will be hereinafter described indetail with reference to a specific example.

FIRST EXAMPLE Granularity of Information

As a first example, when the number of list items of the target list 23increases, the granularity of information becomes finer, and when thenumber of list items of the target list 23 decreases, the granularity ofinformation becomes coarser. The granularity of information will bespecifically described with reference to FIG. 16 to FIG. 18. FIGS. 16 to18 exemplarily illustrate thumbnail images, which are created fromscenes of moving image data of every predetermined time period, as listitems.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a screen 72 that displays a plurality oflists each including a plurality of thumbnail images. As shown in FIG.16, a target list 73 is a list having arranged therein scenes of movingimage data of every minute.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 16, a sub-list 75 a is a list havingarranged therein scenes, each of which is to be interpolated between thescenes of the target list 73 of every minute. For example, the sub-list75 a includes arranged therein a thumbnail image of 4:30 to beinterpolated between a thumbnail image of 4:00 and a thumbnail image of5:00 of the target list 73, a thumbnail image of 5:30 to be interpolatedbetween a thumbnail image of 5:00 and a thumbnail image of 6:00 of thetarget list 73, a thumbnail image of6:30 to be interpolated between athumbnail image of 6:00 and a thumbnail image of 7:00 of the target list73, and the like.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 16, a sub-list 75 b is a list havingarranged therein scenes, every two of which are to be interpolatedbetween the scenes arranged in the sub-list 75 a. For example, thumbnailimages of 4:45 and 5:15 to be interpolated between the thumbnail imageof 4:30 and the thumbnail image of 5:30 of the sub-list 75 a arearranged.

Then, when a user operation indicating coupling of the plurality oflists shown in FIG. 16 is detected, the GPU 112 couples the sub-list 75a to the target list 73, whereby the number of list items of the targetlist 73 increases. A case in which the number of list items of thetarget list 73 shown in FIG. 16 increases will be described withreference to FIG. 17.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a result obtained when the plurality oflists shown in FIG. 16 are coupled. A target list 73 x shown in FIG. 17is obtained by coupling the sub-list 75 a to the target list 73 shown inFIG. 16. Through the coupling of the lists, the number of list items ofthe target list 73 x increases, so that thumbnail images of every 30seconds are arranged. As described above, when the number of list itemsis increased by the coupling of the lists, the granularity ofinformation becomes finer.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a result obtained when the plurality oflists shown in FIG. 16 are separated. A target list 73 y shown in FIG.18 is obtained by separating a list from the target list 73 shown inFIG. 16. In addition, a sub-list 75 x shown in FIG. 18 is a sub-listthat is newly created by arranging the list items separated from thetarget list 73 shown in FIG. 16. By the separation of the list, thenumber of list items of the target list 73 y decreases, so thatthumbnail images of every two minutes are arranged. As described above,when the number of list items is decreased by the separation of thelist, the granularity of information becomes coarser.

SECOND EXAMPLE Types of Information

As a second example, when the number of list items of the target list 23increases, the types of information increase, and when the number oflist items of the target list 23 decreases, the types of informationdecrease. The types of information will be specifically described withreference to FIGS. 19 and 21. FIGS. 19 to 21 exemplarily illustrate thetypes of information related to music data, as list items.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a screen 81 that displays a plurality oflists created on the basis of information related to music data. Asshown in FIG. 19, a target list 83 is a list having arranged thereinjacket images of music albums.

A sub-list 85 a is a list having arranged therein a list of names ofmusic pieces on each music album. In addition, a sub-list 85 b is a listhaving arranged therein the lyrics of each music piece.

When a user operation indicating coupling of the plurality of listsshown in FIG. 19 is detected, the GPU 112 couples the sub-list 85 a tothe target list 83, whereby the number of list items of the target list83 increases. A case in which the number of list items of the targetlist 83 shown in FIG. 19 increases will be described with reference toFIG. 20.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a result obtained when the plurality oflists shown in FIG. 19 are coupled. A target list 83 x shown in FIG. 20is obtained by coupling the sub-list 85 a to the target list 83 shown inFIG. 19. By the coupling of the lists, the number of list items of thetarget list 83 x is increased, and images of music jackets and lists ofmusic pieces are arranged. As described above, when the number of listitems is increased by the coupling of lists, the types of informationincrease.

Note that as shown in FIG. 20, the GPU 122 may change the background foreach related information (a list item) in the target list 83 x.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a result obtained when the two sub-lists 85shown in FIG. 19 are coupled to the target list. A target list 83 yshown in FIG. 21 is obtained by coupling the sub-list 85 a and thesub-list 85 b to the target list 83 shown in FIG. 19. By the coupling ofthe lists, the number of list items of the target list 83 y isincreased, and images of music jackets, lists of music pieces, and thelyrics of each music piece are arranged. As described above, as thenumber of list items is increased by the coupling of lists, the types ofinformation increase.

Note that in the example shown in FIG. 21, the background may also bechanged for each related information (list item) in the target list 83y. In addition, as shown in FIG. 21, the GPU 112 may also couple each ofthe sub-list 85 a and the sub-list 85 b to the target list 83 withoutchanging the display size of each list item of the sub-list 85 a and thesub-list 85 b.

The types of information are not limited to the types of informationrelated to music data given as an example in FIGS. 19 and 21. Forexample, the types of information may be classified in a stepwise mannerin accordance with the degree of enthusiasm of each scene of movingimage data. Specifically, the control unit 11 analyzes moving image datain advance, and the GPU 112 creates a first list by arranging thumbnailimages of a scene with the highest degree of enthusiasm. Then, the GPU112 adds a scene with the next highest degree of enthusiasm to the firstlist through coupling.

The above-described change in the displayed information associated withthe coupling/separation of a plurality of lists also holds true for the<3. Coupling/Separation of List Items of Single List>.

3. COUPLING/SEPARATION OF LIST ITEMS OF SINGLE LIST

As described above, the GPU 112 in accordance with this embodiment mayalso display a single list and couple/separate list items of the list inresponse to a user operation. The GPU 112 increases the number of listitems of the displayed single list in response to a user operationindicating coupling of lists.

In addition, the GPU 112, in response to a user operation indicatingseparation of a list, decreases the number of list items of thedisplayed single list, and creates a new sub-list by arranging the listitems separated from the single list.

Herein, examples of a user operation indicating coupling/separation oflist items of a single list include a pinch-out/in operation, atap/double-tap operation, and a button/bar operation described in [2-3.User Operation]. For specific control of the coupling/separation of listitems of a single list described below, a case in which a pinch-out/inoperation is detected as a user operation will be exemplarily described.

[3-1. Coupling of List Items of Single List]

The GPU 112, in response to a user operation indicating coupling oflists, causes new list items to gradually appear in the list to therebyincrease the number of list items. Hereinafter, coupling of list itemsof a single list will be described with reference to FIGS. 22 and 23.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a screen 91 that displays a target list 93.As shown in FIG. 22, a pinch-out operation of touching list items A2 andA3 of the target list 93 with two fingers and widening the gap betweenthe two touch positions with the screen being touched is detected. Then,the GPU 112 couples the list items of the target list 93 in accordancewith the pinch-out operation.

FIG. 23 is a screen transition diagram illustrating an animation whenlist items are coupled in conjunction with a pinch-out operation. Asshown in a screen 95 in FIG. 23, an operation (a pinch-out operation)of, with the list item A2 and the list item A3 being touched, increasingthe gap between the two touch positions is performed. The GPU 112 movesthe display positions of the list item A2 and the list item A3 inaccordance with the touch positions of the user.

Next, as shown in a screen 97 and a screen 99, a new list item graduallyappears in the space between each list item of the target list 93widened by the pinch-out operation.

Then, the GPU 112 enlarges the list item made to appear between eachlist item of the target list 93 so that the size of the list itembecomes similar to the size of each list item of the target list 93,whereby coupling of the list items is completed.

Note that the GPU 112 may, when an operation of narrowing the gapbetween the touch positions of the two fingers performing the pinch-outoperation is detected, cancel the coupling of the list items and hidethe new list items.

As described above, as the GPU 112 causes new list items to graduallyappear in the target list 93 in accordance with a pinch-out operation,the user is able to check in advance the list items to be coupled to thetarget list 93.

In addition, the user is also able to cancel the coupling of the listitems before the completion thereof while checking information that isincreased by the coupling.

[3-2. Separation of List Items]

The GPU 112 may, in accordance with a pinch-in operation, cause apredetermined number of list items of a single displayed target list togradually disappear, and thus separate the list items. As the list itemsin the target list gradually disappear, the user is able to check inadvance the list items to be separated from the target list.

In addition, the GPU 112 may, when an operation of widening the gapbetween the touch positions of the two fingers performing the pinch-inoperation is detected, cancel the separation of the list items, andcause the list items, which have once disappeared, to appear again.

[3-3. List Display]

The aforementioned example has described that the number of list itemsis increased/decreased by coupling/separation of list items of a singlelist. Herein, when the number of list items is increased by coupling oflist items, some list items are expelled from the screen.

Herein, the GPU 112 in accordance with this embodiment may, when thenumber of list items of a target list is increased or decreased bycoupling of list items, enlarge/shrink the display size of the listitems to thereby perform list-display of displaying all list itemswithin the screen. When the GPU 112 performs list-display, the user isable to check all list items that are increased by the coupling of thelist items within the screen. List-display of the GPU 112 will bedescribed with reference to FIGS. 24 to 26. In FIGS. 24 to 26, thumbnailimages created from scenes of moving image data of every predeterminedtime period are displayed in a grid-list form as list items.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a screen 201 that list-displays a singlelist. As shown in a screen 201 in FIG. 24, the GPU 112 arranges allthumbnail images of moving image data of every two minutes. An animationwhen list items are coupled in response to a user operation in this casewill be described with reference to FIGS. 25 and 26.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a screen 203 that displays an animationwhen list items are being coupled. As shown in FIG. 25, the GPU 112shrinks each thumbnail image, and causes new thumbnail images togradually appear between each thumbnail image.

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a screen 205 when coupling of list items iscompleted. As shown in the screen 205 in FIG. 26, even when the numberof list items is increased by the coupling of the list items, the GPU112 displays all thumbnail images on a single screen.

Description has been made above of a case in which a single list isdisplayed as an example of the aforementioned list-display. However, theGPU 112 may also control list-display when coupling a plurality oflists.

4. OPERATION PROCESS

Next, an operation process performed when the GPU 112 in accordance withthis embodiment performs the aforementioned display control ofcoupling/separating lists in accordance with a pinch-in/out operationwill be described. Although FIGS. 6 and 9 illustrate examples in whichthe GPU 112 performs display control of coupling/separating lists inaccordance with the gap d between two fingers performing pinch-in/outoperations, respectively, this embodiment is not limited thereto. Forexample, the GPU 112 may also couple/separates lists in accordance with,for example, the movement amount of a finger performing a touchoperation or the movement speed of the finger. Hereinafter, an operationprocess performed when the GPU 112 couples/separates lists in accordancewith the movement amount or the movement speed of a pinch-in/outoperation will be described with reference to FIG. 27.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing a display control process ofcoupling/separating lists in accordance with a pinch-in/out operation.As shown in FIG. 27, when the touch panel 16 detects two touches in stepS102, the touch panel 16 further detects a pinch-in/out operation on thebasis of movements of the operation positions of the two touches in thenext step S 104. The touch panel 16, upon detecting a pinch-in/outoperation, outputs the detection result to the control unit 11.

Next, in step S106, the GPU 112 of the control unit 11, in accordancewith the pinch-in/out operation detected by the touch panel 16, startsan animation of coupling/separating lists displayed on the display 15.For example, the GPU 112 moves the touched list item in accordance withthe pinch-in/out operation.

Next, in step S108, when the touch panel 16 detects an operation oftouching two points, the process proceeds to step S110. Next, in stepS110, the GPU 112 determines if the movement amount of the pinch-in/outoperation is greater than a threshold. The movement amount of thepinch-in/out operation used herein is calculated as shown in FIG. 28,for example.

FIG. 28 is a table exemplarily showing calculation of the movementamount and the movement speed of pinch-in/out operations. As shown inFIG. 28, the movement amount of each of pinch-in/out operations is thesum of the distance of movement of a list item from the initial state inthe pinch-in/out operation.

Alternatively, the movement amount of each of pinch-in/out operationsmay be the sum of the distance of movement of each of the two touchpositions of the pinch-in/out operation.

In the aforementioned step S110, if the movement amount of thepinch-in/out operation exceeds the threshold, the process proceeds tostep S112. Next, in step S112, the GPU 112 couples/separates lists. Notethat if the movement amount exceeds a first threshold in step S110,coupling/separation of lists at one level is performed in step S112. Forexample, a single sub-list is coupled or a single sub-list is createdthrough separation.

Next, the process proceeds to step S108, and the pinch-in/out operationis further continued. Then, if the movement amount exceeds a secondthreshold in step S110, the GPU 112 performs coupling/separation oflists at another level. For example, the GPU 112 couples one moresub-list, or creates one more sub-list through separation. As describedabove, the GPU 112 performs coupling/separation of lists at multiplelevels in accordance with a pinch-in/out operation.

Next, referring again to step S108, a case in which the two touches areno more detected will be detected. In this case, the process proceeds tostep S114, and the GPU 112 determines if the speed of the pinch-in/outoperation exceeds a threshold in step S 114. The speed of a pinch-in/outoperation used herein is the sum of the movement speed of each list itemin the pinch-in/out operation as shown in FIG. 28, for example.

If the movement speed of the pinch-in/out operation exceeds thethreshold in the aforementioned step S 114, the process proceeds to stepS116. Next, in step S116, the GPU 112 performs coupling/separation oflists. Note that if the movement speed exceeds a first threshold in stepS114, coupling/separation of lists at one level is performed in stepS116. For example, a single sub-list is coupled, or a single sub-list iscreated through separation.

Next, the process returns to step S 114, and if the movement speed isnot still zero, the GPU 112 performs coupling/separation of lists atanother level in step S116 again. For example, the GPU 112 couples onemore sub-list, or creates one more sub-list through separation. Asdescribed above, the GPU 112 performs coupling/separation of lists atmultiple levels in accordance with the speed of a list item moved inaccordance with a pinch-in/out operation.

Meanwhile, if the speed does not exceed the threshold in step S114, theprocess proceeds to step S118. In step S118, the GPU 112 determines ifthe movement amount of the pinch-in/out operation exceeds the threshold.If the movement amount exceeds the threshold, the process proceeds tostep S120.

Next, in step S120, the GPU 112 performs coupling/separation of lists.Note that the GPU 112 may also have a plurality of thresholds and maycontrol the levels of coupling/separation of lists in accordance withwhich threshold the movement amount of the pinch-in/out operation hasexceeded. For example, if the movement amount of a pinch-in/outoperation exceeds a threshold a, the GPU 112 couples a sub-list, orcreates a sub-list through separation. Meanwhile, if the movement amountof a pinch-in/out operation exceeds a threshold b, the GPU 112 couplestwo sub-lists, or creates two sub-lists through separation.

Next, in step S122, the GPU 112 terminates the animation ofcoupling/separating lists.

5. CONCLUSION

As described above, according to the information processing device 10 inaccordance with this embodiment, a user is able to, by displaying aplurality of lists on a screen, check in advance the list items of thesub-list 25 to be coupled to the target list 23 before the completion ofthe coupling.

In addition, according to the information processing device 10 inaccordance with this embodiment, even when a single list is displayed onthe screen, if new list items are caused to gradually appear in the listin response to a user operation, the user is able to check in advancethe list items to be added before the completion of the coupling.

In addition, as the list items to be separated from the target list 23gradually change in accordance with a user operation, the user is ableto check in advance the list items to be removed from the target list 23by the separation of the list items.

Further, the user is also able to, while checking the list items thatare increased or decreased by an animation of coupling or separatinglists, cancel the coupling or separation of the lists before thecompletion thereof

In addition, when the number of list items is increased by coupling oflist items, the GPU 112 can, by controlling all list items such thatthey are displayed within the screen, display more detailed informationwhile securing the list properties of the list.

Although the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have beendescribed in detail with reference to the appended drawings, the presentdisclosure is not limited thereto. It is obvious to those skilled in theart that various modifications or variations are possible insofar asthey are within the technical scope of the appended claims or theequivalents thereof. It should be understood that such modifications orvariations are also within the technical scope of the presentdisclosure.

For example, although an animation when lists are coupled in conjunctionwith a pinch-out operation in the aforementioned [2-3. User Operation]has been described with reference to FIG. 6, the animation when listsare coupled is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 6. For example,each list item of the sub-list 25 a to be coupled may be gradually beenlarged substantially at the same time as the start timing of themovement of the list item toward the target list 23, and the enlargementof the list item may be terminated substantially at the same time as thetermination of insertion of the list item between each list item of thetarget list 23. FIG. 29 shows an example of changing an animation whenlists are coupled in conjunction with a pinch-out operation as describedabove. As shown in a screen 44 in FIG. 29, when the gap d2 between thetouch positions exceeds a threshold, a list item B2 of the sub-list 25 bmoves while being gradually enlarged. Then, as shown in the screen 46,the enlargement of the list item terminates substantially at the sametime as when the list item is inserted between the list item A2 and thelist item A3.

Although the target list 23, the sub-list 25 a, and the sub-list 25 bare sequentially displayed in the aforementioned embodiment, each listmay be switched or all lists may be moved in accordance with a useroperation.

In addition, although the information processing device 10 shown in FIG.1 is implemented by a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a portableaudio player, the information processing device 10 in accordance withthe present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, theinformation processing device 10 may implement a personal computer (PC),and an animation of coupling or separating lists in response to a useroperation may be displayed on the GUI screen of the PC.

It is also possible to create a computer program for exerting a functionthat is equivalent to each configuration of the information processingdevice 10 in accordance with the aforementioned embodiment. In addition,a recording medium having the computer program recorded thereon is alsoprovided. Examples of the recording medium include a magnetic disk, anoptical disc, a magneto-optical disc, and flash memory. In addition, theaforementioned computer program may be distributed over a networkwithout using a recording medium, for example.

The present technology may also be configured as below.

-   (1) An information processing device comprising a display control    unit configured to display a plurality of lists including a first    list and a second list each having list items, and perform display    of coupling to the first list a list item of the second list that is    a sub-list of the first list.-   (2) The information processing device according to (1), wherein the    display control unit is configured to, in response to a user    operation, perform display of separating a predetermined number of    list items from the first list, and display a new sub-list including    the predetermined number of the separated list items.-   (3) The information processing device according to (1) or (2),    further comprising a detection unit configured to detect a user    operation,

wherein the display control unit is configured to, when the detectionunit detects an operation of the user to widen a distance between aplurality of operation positions, perform display of coupling the secondlist to the first list.

-   (4) The information processing device according to (1) or (2),    further comprising a detection unit configured to detect a user    operation,

wherein the display control unit is configured to, when the detectionunit detects an operation of the user to narrow a distance between aplurality of operation positions, perform display of separating the listitems from the first list to create a new sub-list.

-   (5) The information processing device according to any one of (1) to    (4), wherein the display control unit is configured to, when the    list items of the second list are moved into the first list through    a drag operation of the user, perform display of coupling the second    list to the first list.-   (6) The information processing device according to any one of (1) to    (5), wherein the display control unit is configured to, in    accordance with a movement amount or a movement speed of the    operation positions, changes the number of sub-lists to be coupled    or the number of sub-lists to be newly created.-   (7) The information processing device according to any one of (1) to    (6), wherein as the second list is coupled to the first list and the    number of the list items of the first list increases, information    that is displayed by the first list becomes more detailed.-   (8) The information processing device according to any one of (1) to    (7), wherein the list items of the second list are displayed in size    smaller than a size of the list items of the first list.-   (9) The information processing device according to (8), wherein the    display control unit is configured to perform display of coupling    the list item of the second list to the first list by moving the    list item while enlarging the list item.-   (10) The information processing device according to (8), wherein the    display control unit is configured to perform display of coupling    the list item of the second list to the first list by enlarging the    list item after the list item has moved to the first list.-   (11) The information processing device according to any one of (1)    to (8), wherein the display control unit is configured to perform    display of coupling the list item of the second list to the first    list by moving the list item without changing a size of the list    item.-   (12) The information processing device according to (4), wherein the    display control unit is configured to, in response to an operation    of the user to narrow the distance between the plurality of    operation positions, perform display of shrinking a predetermined    number of list items of the first list so that the shrunk list items    move away from and separated from the first list, and further    display a new sub-list by arranging the list items separated from    the first list.-   (13) An information processing method comprising:

displaying a plurality of lists including a first list and a second listeach having list items; and

performing display of coupling to the first list a list item of thesecond list that is a sub-list of the first list.

-   (14) A program causing a computer to perform processes of:

displaying a plurality of lists including a first list and a second listeach having list items; and

performing display of coupling to the first list a list item of thesecond list that is a sub-list of the first list.

-   (15) The program according to (14), causing a computer to further    execute processes of performing display of, in response to a user    operation, separating a predetermined number of list items from the    first list, and display of a new sub-list including the    predetermined number of the separated list items.-   (16) The program according to (14) or (15), causing a computer to    further execute process of:

detecting a user operation; and

performing display of, when the detecting process detects an operationof the user to widen a distance between a plurality of operationpositions, coupling the second list to the first list.

-   (17) The program according to (14) or (15), causing a computer to    further execute processes of:

detecting a user operation; and

performing display of, when the detecting process detects an operationof the user to narrow a distance between a plurality of operationpositions, separating the list items from the first list to create a newsub-list.

-   (18) The program according to any one of (14) to (17), causing a    computer to further execute a process of, when the list items of the    second list are moved into the first list through a drag operation    of the user, performing display of coupling the second list to the    first list.-   (19) The program according to any one of (14) to (18), causing a    computer to further execute a process of, in accordance with a    movement amount or a movement speed of the operation positions,    changing the number of sub-lists to be coupled or the number of    sub-lists to be newly created.-   (20) The program according to any one of (14) to (19), causing a    computer to further execute a process such that, as the second list    is coupled to the first list and the number of the list items of the    first list increases, information that is displayed by the first    list becomes more detailed.

The present disclosure contains subject matter related to that disclosedin Japanese Priority Patent Application JP 2011-168262 filed in theJapan Patent Office on Aug. 1, 2011, the entire content of which ishereby incorporated by reference.

1. An information processing device comprising a display control unitconfigured to display a plurality of lists including a first list and asecond list each having list items, and perform display of coupling tothe first list a list item of the second list that is a sub-list of thefirst list.
 2. The information processing device according to claim 1,wherein the display control unit is configured to, in response to a useroperation, perform display of separating a predetermined number of listitems from the first list, and display a new sub-list including thepredetermined number of the separated list items.
 3. The informationprocessing device according to claim 1, further comprising a detectionunit configured to detect a user operation, wherein the display controlunit is configured to, when the detection unit detects an operation ofthe user to widen a distance between a plurality of operation positions,perform display of coupling the second list to the first list.
 4. Theinformation processing device according to claim 1, further comprising adetection unit configured to detect a user operation, wherein thedisplay control unit is configured to, when the detection unit detectsan operation of the user to narrow a distance between a plurality ofoperation positions, perform display of separating the list items fromthe first list to create a new sub-list.
 5. The information processingdevice according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit isconfigured to, when the list items of the second list are moved into thefirst list through a drag operation of the user, perform display ofcoupling the second list to the first list.
 6. The informationprocessing device according to claim 1, wherein the display control unitis configured to, in accordance with a movement amount or a movementspeed of the operation positions, changes the number of sub-lists to becoupled or the number of sub-lists to be newly created.
 7. Theinformation processing device according to claim 1, wherein as thesecond list is coupled to the first list and the number of the listitems of the first list increases, information that is displayed by thefirst list becomes more detailed.
 8. The information processing deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the list items of the second list aredisplayed in size smaller than the list items of the first list.
 9. Theinformation processing device according to claim 8, wherein the displaycontrol unit is configured to perform display of coupling the list itemof the second list to the first list by moving the list item whileenlarging the list item.
 10. The information processing device accordingto claim 8, wherein the display control unit is configured to performdisplay of coupling the list item of the second list to the first listby enlarging the list item after the list item has moved to the firstlist.
 11. The information processing device according to claim 1,wherein the display control unit is configured to perform display ofcoupling the list item of the second list to the first list by movingthe list item without changing a size of the list item.
 12. Theinformation processing device according to claim 4, wherein the displaycontrol unit is configured to, in response to an operation of the userto narrow the distance between the plurality of operation positions,perform display of shrinking a predetermined number of list items of thefirst list so that the shrunk list items move away from and separatedfrom the first list, and further display a new sub-list by arranging thelist items separated from the first list.
 13. An information processingmethod comprising: displaying a plurality of lists including a firstlist and a second list each having list items; and performing display ofcoupling to the first list a list item of the second list that is asub-list of the first list.
 14. A program causing a computer to executeprocesses of: displaying a plurality of lists including a first list anda second list each having list items; and performing display of couplingto the first list a list item of the second list that is a sub-list ofthe first list.
 15. The program according to claim 14, causing acomputer to further execute processes of performing display of, inresponse to a user operation, separating a predetermined number of listitems from the first list, and display of a new sub-list including thepredetermined number of the separated list items.
 16. The programaccording to claim 14, causing a computer to further execute processesof: detecting a user operation; and performing display of, when thedetecting process detects an operation of the user to widen a distancebetween a plurality of operation positions, coupling the second list tothe first list.
 17. The program according to claim 14, causing acomputer to further execute processes of: detecting a user operation;and performing display of, when the detecting process detects anoperation of the user to narrow a distance between a plurality ofoperation positions, separating the list items from the first list tocreate a new sub-list.
 18. The program according to claim 14, causing acomputer to further execute, when the list items of the second list aremoved into the first list through a drag operation of the user,performing display of coupling the second list to the first list. 19.The program according to claim 14, causing a computer to furtherexecute, in accordance with a movement amount or a movement speed of theoperation positions, a process of changing the number of sub-lists to becoupled or the number of sub-lists to be newly created.
 20. The programaccording to claim 14, causing a computer to further execute a processsuch that, as the second list is coupled to the first list and thenumber of the list items of the first list increases, information thatis displayed by the first list become's more detailed.